March Onto Land depicts life's migration from the sea to the land and the rise of the first terrestrial organisms. Following the appearance of the first land plants and terrestrial invertebrates, some animals with backbones ventured out of the water. After gaining a toehold on dry land, terrestrial vertebrates grew in number and diversity to become the most important large-bodied organisms on the planet. The evolution of the amniotic egg gave vertebrates an adaptive advantage, allowing them to explore habitats beyond those of their water-bound amphibian ancestors. As a result, reptiles arose and rapidly diversified into a variety of distinct families, each with its own peculiarities. Vertebrate groups explored in this full-color volume include early tetrapods, amphibians, and reptiles. By the Middle Triassic period, the evolutionary stage was set for the rise of many new and distinct species, including mammals and dinosaurs.

About the Author
Thom Holmes is a writer specializing in natural history subjects and dinosaurs. As a writer and researcher, he works with leading paleontologists and also takes part in field expeditions to dig dinosaurs. He has engaged in research on the early history of dinosaur science in America, particularly on the exploits of Edward Drinker Cope of Philadelphia and Othniel Charles Marsh of New Haven. He was the publications director of The Dinosaur Society for five years and the editor of its newsletter, Dino Times, the world's only monthly publication devoted to news about dinosaur discoveries.


Book Information
ISBN 9780816059591
Author Thom Holmes
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Facts On File Inc
Publisher Facts On File Inc
Weight(grams) 622g